David Silva: Manchester United might have more history but City are winning trophies

Silva success: The midfielder is enjoying life in Manchester Michael Regan/Getty Images

David Silva feels that Manchester City are finally getting respect from their cross-town rivals after a second consecutive season finishing ahead of United.

And the midfielder would not swap the history of City’s more successful rivals for his side’s recent run of trophies.

Although City failed to build on their title victory last season they ended the campaign nine points clear of Louis van Gaal’s side. And in spite of sizeable spending from United Manuel Pellegrini’s side are confident that they have enough to hold off their City rivals.

City have made notable additions of their own, spending over £50 million on young English talent including Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph.

Silva is convinced that City’s recent success means that they are earning the admiration they deserve from their neighbours.

Real Madrid v Manchester City

Real Madrid v Manchester City

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Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Raheem Sterling is greeted by adoring fans as City prepare to face Real Madrid in Melbourne

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Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Ronaldo steals a march on Kolarov as Real Madrid race into a two-goal lead inside 30 minutes

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Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Keylor Navas takes out Yaya Toure as he lunges for the ball during the early stages

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Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Fernando and Marcelo jostle for possession

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Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Ronaldo celebrates after seeing his effort creep over the line

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Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Yaya Toure shrugs off Isco at Melbourne Cricket Ground

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“But we have been up there now for a few seasons, so United now have a lot more respect for us,” Silva said. “When I came to City, it was different. Maybe that was not the case.”

“United will be there [in the title race] for sure. They are attracting much better players and will be there challenging for sure.

“They, of course, have much more history, much more prestige, tradition. But now we have won trophies, we are making history, winning cups. We are making history and it is good to be part of that history.

“As a club, City now have much more prestige and we are getting better and better. We are just missing that step of winning the Champions League, but doing that will help us grow even more.”

In spite of success in domestic competitions City have struggled to show significant progress in Europe, going no further than the round of 16 in the Champions League. And the 29-year-old is targeting significant improvements in Europe before he leaves Manchester.

Silva added: “I would see it as a failure [if I don’t win the Champions League]. It is the one thing I want and one day I hope to win it.

“It’s difficult playing against big teams like Barcelona, Bayern. But why? I cannot tell you.

“But with good, new players, for sure we will have an opportunity to be there fighting and maybe able to do it.

“Juventus reached the final last season, but they were really lucky with the draw. That is the way that the competition is, though.”